Reggie Jackson comes to the rescue for stagnant Thunder

Oklahoma City Thunder's Reggie Jackson (15) reacts in the final seconds of the Thunder win over New Orleans during the NBA basketball game between the Oklahoma CIty Thunder and the New Orleans Hornets at the Chesapeake Energy Arena on Wednesday, Dec. 12, 2012, in Oklahoma City, Okla. Photo by Chris Landsberger, The Oklahoman

The very next defensive possession, Jackson was at it again. This time, he was the one who snagged the ball.

Not long after, Jackson attempted his first shot, a 3-pointer.

Swish.

Jackson ended up playing 10 minutes, 58 seconds. Not much in the grand scheme of things. But in that short amount of time, he was 2 of 3 with five points, two rebounds and one steal.

His plus-minus was plus-12, second only on the team to Martin's plus-14.

During the time Jackson was on the court, the Thunder erased that double-digit deficit and took a lead that it wouldn't relinquish.

“Reggie's been here for a year now,” Durant said. “He knows what it takes.”

But still, it's not easy for a guy who has played limited minutes this season and had sat for the first hour-plus of this game to come in and save the day.

“You've just got to stay ready,” Jackson said. “Of course it's tough (sitting the bench), but once you get out there, especially in this atmosphere, it's easy to get going.”

Durant said: “He's not pouting that he's not playing. He's coming in working hard every single day just waiting on his chance. I'm glad he got that opportunity. Hopefully, he'll get more down the line.”

Durant reiterated that a few moments later.

“Hopefully, he gets more opportunities,” Durant said unsolicited. “That was a good showing for him.”

Sounds like Durant would like to see more of Jackson.

Why wouldn't he? Why wouldn't everyone?

“He did a good job,” Brooks said. “That's what I expected. That's what he expects out of himself.

Now, about that playing time ...

Jenni Carlson: Jenni can be reached at (405) 475-4125. Like her at facebook.com/JenniCarlsonOK, follow her at twitter.com/jennicarlson_ok or view her personality page at newsok.com/jennicarlson.

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by Jenni Carlson

Columnist

Jenni Carlson, a sports columnist at The Oklahoman since 1999, came by her love of sports honestly. She grew up in a sports-loving family in Kansas. Her dad coached baseball and did color commentary on the radio for the high school football...